The students were chosen for membership in the honor society, which was established in 1776, based on academic excellence through their junior years. The professors who introduced each student lauded them for their "astuteness," "determination," "self-discipline," "diverse accomplishments," "intelligent curiosity," "clarity of purpose," "creative scholarship," and "weapons-grade intellect." Three initiates are going on to medical school, and several have applied for Fulbright scholarships to work and study abroad.